[joe90]

Hi streakers! Has anyone noticed a clutch slip problem? Kawa aren't aware of the problem. It appears the hydraulic system is slow to engage the clutch fully. The higher the speed the longer it takes, a few seconds, to fully engage. It is almost like an automatic system to save the clutch from too much wear???? Any theories or real solutions very welcome, cheers, Simon/ Joe90.

 

[joe90]

Thanks Kawi.

I have done some digging and this may be the cause. The clutch is from the r1, is race developed and is a slipper clutch - designed to slip if engaged with too much torque to stop the rear tyre from spinning. It also has a 'cold' feature which means it will similarly slip when cold, ie. stopping the rear wheel from spinning at a race start. This is fact but my theory is that it is not designed for the high torque at low revs of the mean streak. I ride it by using the torque, ie. riding by changing gears as little as possible - like Kawa say you can. It is also winter here in England and I wonder if it takes time to come up to temperature. The harder I ride it and the hotter the engine gets the less it is a problem. This is my theory but I look forward to your views. Cheers, Simon.

 

[joe90]

Thanks Kawi, I have lots of very knowledgeable mates and good contacts in biking after 26 years riding. Test us!!

I’ve posted on the ‘sea foam’ thread a biking myth exploded and enquiries into that thread led me to find out something I didn’t know but actually is obvious. Wet clutch plates (ie. sit in the oil) work better with mineral oil as synthetic sticks to them (which is why it is better for protecting components) so making them slip.

Now I know why my clutch slips more than most. At the last change I did the obvious for harder riding and older engine and changed to synthetic!